This blog is solely written to convey the many thoughts and feelings I, Alicia Marie, experience throughout my day to day life. Along the way, I hope to bring my readers something they can relate to. My purpose is to make people smile, and to cry (tears of joy, that is), and to make them feel like they're not alone in this world.

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Friday, January 13, 2012

Let operation baby Hartley begin!

The last you heard, I sent the appropriate papers to the Reproductive Resource Center (RRC) in Kansas City. Two days after I sent the paperwork in, I received a phone call from one of the ladies that works there. Come to find out, the RRC has specific BMI requirements before they'll agree to even give someone a consultation. The lady told me that if I wanted to get a consultation I'd have to loose about 80 pounds. Immediately I was like, "uhhh...WHAT?!?!" Yeah, 80 pounds. She told me that she would keep all my info for a year if I make the BMI requirement.

As soon as I hung the phone up after talking to the lady, I cried. I didn't know what to do. I felt as if my backup plan was taken away from me, and I was left with no other options. I can't get pregnant on my own, so IVF was my backup plan to conceiving naturally. I couldn't accept that they turned me away, so I turned to a Facebook group that I belong to, Cysters Unite! I told them what happened, and within an hour, I had 20+ comments encouraging me to seek another doctor/infertility clinic. Throughout the last year and a half of infertility, I've often wanted to get second opinions because I felt my doctor wasn't being proactive in helping me conceive, but I didn't want to feel as if I was questioning his intelligence.

After considering it for a few days, I decided to search out other infertility clinics in Missouri. Immediately I stumbled upon The Infertility Clinic of St. Louis. I searched all through their website, and everything I read impressed me. The website is very thorough, and the doctor is known around the world. Because the clinic impressed me so much, I decided to inquire about IVF with their clinic.

I called the clinic at 10:00 am, which is exactly when they open, and I requested to talk to someone in the IVF department. The lady I spoke to asked me some medical background questions and then asked me if I had any questions for her. The first and only thing I asked was if they had a BMI requirement in order to treat patients. She seemed stunned that I would even ask. She promptly told me that they've never had to figure out someone's BMI and have never turned anyone away because of their weight. Immediately a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. I gave a huge sigh of relief, and she laughed. She asked if I had anymore questions and if I would like to set up an ultrasound to check my follicles and egg reserve and an IVF consultation with the doctor to discuss a plan to get started. Of course I jumped on the opportunity. I asked her to make the appointment for a Friday so that I wouldn't have to worry about driving to St. Louis early in the morning and then driving back to make it home in time for work the next day. She searched for a minute, and she told me that she had an appointment open for February 17, 2012. I was shocked! I couldn't believe that she was able to get me in so quickly. I agreed to the appointment, and hung up the phone.

So, ladies and gentlemen, Operation Baby Hartley begins February 17. That's one month and 4 days from now. It's very possible that within the next few months, I could begin IVF and have a little bean growing inside me. Excited much? Uh, yeah! I think know so!

A BMI requirement!?! That just sounds looney! Women of all weights get pregnant all the time! I'm so glad you found another place and they sound even better! Best of luck and lots of prayers!Oh and one major thing that can really hinder getting pregnant (which you probably know) is being stressed! I say you should really make sure that your husband gives you massages every night to keep you nice and calm ;) (anything to get a daily massage!!)

Lose 80 pounds? You might as well tell me to write just like Shakespeare. Or pick up my car and toss it in the street. Or blahblahblah. That sounds like discrimination to me. Have I sent you an invitation to my blog? It's now private. If I haven't sent you one, please email me and tell me what address to use to hook you up with this coveted invitation.

YESSS! that is fabulous news!! I am so happy that things went well for you, and that you are one step closer to your dreams coming true. I am virtually slapping the first clinic right now. That is unbelievable that they have a BMI limit!! I am soo happy for you lady!! <3

Congratulations Alicia!!! Such wonderful and exciting, happy news!! I'm wishing you and the Mr much luck in your journey towards baby Hartley! Stay strong and positive...I know you will!Lots of love!Maria

About Me

I'm a 24 years old foster mom to three kiddos ages 3 and under. Not too long ago I felt that I knew what life was going to be like. I would have a full time job, 2 kids, a house, and two dogs. Like most things in life, we do not always get what we dream of, but I can say that I have been given more than I could ever imagine for myself. I'm here to share my experiences--the good, the bad, and the ugly--and in turn I hope to inspire you and bring hope to your life.